Your immune system is vital to living a strong, healthy life. While maintaining a healthy immune system is about more than what you eat, your diet is a critical component. By adding certain foods to your diet, you may support your immune system — and enjoy some delicious meals and snacks, too!
Here are some of our ideas on healthy foods you can try that may increase immunity as well as support your overall health and wellbeing.
Which Foods Support Your Immune System?
One of the best ways to naturally support your immune system is by eating a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals.
A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins is the way to go. Think about eating in color: dark green, red, yellow, and orange fruits and veggies are packed with antioxidants. Try Açaí, berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Ready to get started? Choose some foods for immune system health from the list below.
AÇAÍ
Açaí is a superfood that is especially great for immune system health. Why? Açaí contains 19 different amino acids, healthy fatty acids, minerals, and other nutrients. Açaí is also high in anthocyanins, a type of pigments that are part of a class of compounds that act as antioxidants working to combat stress in the body by ridding it of free radicals. Learn more about Açaí benefits.
Guarana
Guarana is rich in compounds that have antioxidant properties, including caffeine, theobromine, tannins, saponins, and catechins. These antioxidants may support immunity as they neutralize free radicals. Amazonian tribes have used guarana for centuries for its therapeutic properties.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Your body also uses it to repair and maintain healthy bones, teeth, and skin. Citrus fruits are an expected source, but you can also find Vitamin C in such vegetables and fruits as spinach, kale, bell peppers, and papaya. Yum!